Donald Ray Pipkins

He was born on November 3, 1948 in Beebe, Arkansas to Odey J. and Eula Lee (Morris) Pipkins. Don married Vicki Harris in Bartonville on November 2, 1968. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. She survives.

Also surviving are his daughters, Angie (Rob) George of Bartonville, and Carmen Pipkins of East Peoria; grandchildren, Kimberly (Mitchell) Green, Abbie (Brad) Seaton, Natalie (Jordan) Jones, and Ashley Pugh; great-grandchildren, Weston, Porter, Oliver, Maggie, Norah and Griffin; siblings, Tom (Cathie) Pipkins of Peoria, and Ann Pipkins of Tampa, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his Parents.

Don proudly served in the United States Air Force from February 1968 until February 1972. He toured in Vietnam from August 1969 to August 1970. He worked as a Welder for Caterpillar for 30 years until his retirement in 2003. He later worked for Limestone Community High School as a Custodian from 2009 to 2014. Don was an active member of Northwest Baptist Church in Peoria.

He was active in Pony League and Little League and Slow Pitch Softball until his 50's for Bartonville and Caterpillar. Don was an avid guitarist. He played with the Bluegrass Gospel Aires, performing for Nursing Home residents. He wrote, recorded and sang many of his own songs. He loved Hank Williams, Gospel music and the New York Yankees (or as he would call them, the "Bronx Bombers").

Don enjoyed traveling to the Smoky Mountains and Route 66, antiquing, looking for vinyl records to add to his large collection, and he especially loved spending time with his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Don's Memorial service with Military honors will be held at Northwest Baptist Church at 5430 N Big Hollow Rd, Peoria, IL, 61615 on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3pm, with a visitation to start an hour prior at 2pm. Pastor Jerry Kamphuis will be officiating.

The family would like to thank OSF and Richard L Owens Hospice for their care and compassion.

Memorials can be made to Northwest Baptist Church or Richard L Owens Hospice Home.

Words of comfort can be shared with the Pipkins family at www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com